You can inhibit severe water damage to foundations, sidings, and roofs if you know how to fix a leaky gutter corner. Gutters are a vital part of your roof, whereby any damage should not be taken lightly. Damaged gutters can significantly compromise the safety and resale value of a house.
Gutters collect water from your house’s roof and divert it away from the building. You should, therefore, inspect the gutters not less than two times a year to ensure they are free from debris and not leaking.
In this guide, you will learn the basics of how to fix a leaky gutter corner and much more.
What Causes Gutters to Leak?
Several things can cause your gutters to leak. For the most part, the causes are nothing more than what you would expect. Here is a quick look at some of the prime reasons for a leaky gutter corner.
- Contraction and Expansion
Gutters expand in heat and contract during cold weather depending on the type of material. However, a modern guttering system comes with a design that endures the clicking and creaking process. Additionally, the gutter fittings come with an insertion mark on the inside for proper installation.
Repeated expansion and contraction of gutters eventually adds to the wear and tear effect, leading to leaks. Also, joints can come apart, leading to the popping out of the support clips, causing the system to fail.
- Wear and Tear
Gutters endure a lot of wear and tear from the elements, which over time, cause them to wear out. This is precisely the case for older systems since the designs, materials, and manufacturing techniques of guttering from thirty years ago do not match to standards of the current guttering systems.
In addition, old systems are prone to damage, and the rubber used for the seals has a shorter lifespan. The more wear and tear these older systems take, the more likely they are to leak.
- Clogged Gutters
The most common leaking problem to homeowners is clogged gutters. For example, upon strong winds, drains get clogged by dirt, leaves, and moss quickly, and in some cases, become home to bird’s nests and other infestations.
The build-up of surplus debris speedily causes gutters to overflow when it rains, reducing their efficiency and damaging walls and roofs. In extreme cases, clogged gutters sag or even crack and split.
- Cracked Gutters
Various reasons lead to the cracking or splitting of gutters. Among the reasons includes damages caused by effects from falling roofing tiles or severe weather conditions.
Note that leaning a ladder against the gutters while cleaning can also cause cracking. It is crucial to check your channels, especially during winter, since ice can build up in gutters and impact their structural integrity.
Signs That Your Gutter’s Corner Are Leaking
Being proactive in checking your roof and gutters will ensure they remain a valuable asset to your home rather than a significant expense later down the road. Here are various signs that your gutter corners may be leaking.
- Peeling of Paint from Masonry Walls
Leaking gutter corners permit water to enter the top of the masonry wall. This means buildings with painted brick may start peeling.
Unpainted homes with exposed masonry walls will show signs of worsened mortar close to the source of the leak. Persistent leaking gutters that cause the brick to stay wet and saturated long lead to brick spalling.
- Stains On Interior Ceiling
As you ponder on how to fix a leaky eavestrough corner, yellow stains on the ceiling near or beneath the gutter corner are a sign of leakage. However, stains farther into the room are more than likely signs of a roof leak rather than a gutter leak.
- Cold, Damp, or Damaged Interior Walls
The moisture problem appears on the inside of the exterior wall positioned under the gutter corner. Wet interiors may grow mold, get humid and moist to the touch, sweat, or even have the plaster start to disintegrate and fall off the wall. In severe cases, the wood strips behind the plaster or lathe will rot or decay.
How Do You Fix a Leaking Gutter Corner?
Cleaning, repairing, or replacing are the three options for fixing a leaking gutter corner depending on where the leaks are, and the materials used to make the gutters. Sometimes gutters can leak as a result of a blockage that puts pressure on a seam or joint. Luckily, you can conduct minor repairs on the trenches using the following methods.
- Cleaning
Getting down to the sealant requires cleaning out all debris and dirt from the area where you found the leak. You can use a paintbrush or damp cloth to help get the dirt out. Scrape off the original sealant compound and any persistent algae after removing the dirt. The best tool for the scrapping job is a ¾ inch semi-sharp chisel.
- Trim Overhanging Trees
Once your gutters are clean, trimming trees that drop leaves will help avert blockages from happening as long as you still clean your gutters regularly.
- Fill Any Holes Around the Gutter Corners
If the leakage results from a hole in the gutter corner, use waterproof tape to fill the crack. Always ensure the area is dry before applying the tape.
- Seal Leaking Joints
A silicone sealant is the best way to fix leaking gutters caused by the joints or corners of the guttering. Make sure the place is clean and dry before you apply the sealant.
Final Words
Now you know how to fix a leaking gutter corner.
Taking proper care of your gutter corners keeps you safe and dry for a long time. Clean your gutters regularly to minimize the chances of debris build-up, sagging, and other issues.
Also, make sure you repair potential problems before they become serious. If the damage to your gutters is extensive, you may need the services of a roof plumber to fix them or replace the entire system.
Contact Roof Master today for all your roofing needs, including repairs and new installations.
